Pick, rinse 1 cup arhar dal (tuvar dal) a couple of times. Add the rinsed dal + ½ tsp turmeric powder + 2.5 cups water in the pressure cooker. Pressure cook the lentils for 8 to 10 whistles or more till the lentils are cooked thoroughly and softened. When the pressure settles down naturally in the cooker, open the lid. mash the lentils lightly and keep aside.

In a small frying pan, heat oil. saute the cumin seeds, till they crackle.

Then add onions, garlic, ginger, red chilies and green chilies.

Saute for a couple of minutes till the onions turn translucent.

Add the tomatoes, asafoetida, red chilli powder and saute for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the chopped methi leaves. saute till the methi leaves wilt and oil leaves the sides of the mixture,

Pour this mixture in the dal or add the cooked dal to this tempering mixture.

Add water and salt as required.

Stir very well and simmer the methi dal for 7 to 8 minutes more.

Lastly add garam masala powder and stir well.

Serve the methi dal steaming hot with steamed rice.